Q&A for How to Install a Car Stereo

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How do I replace a 1996 Jeep radio with a Pioneer radio by matching the wires manually?

Community Answer

It should be red to green, orange to purple, maroon to turquoise, pink to silver, and clear to black.

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Question

How do I connect the stereo to the equalizer if the stereo has no input port?

Community Answer

You have to buy an adapter cable. If you buy from a store like Radio Shack, you may be able to get the salesman to come outside and help you install it... For free!

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Question

If I have an aftermarket Pioneer radio, and want to replace it with another Pioneer radio, do I need a new wiring harness?

Community Answer

Not necessarily, just compare the harnesses and once they match, you can go ahead.

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Question

Can the radio short out my battery?

Community Answer

The radio can drain the battery, but should not short it out.

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Question

Where can I connect an amp remote if a stereo does not have a remote on cable?

Community Answer

Use the factory fuse box. Find a wire that turns on/off with the ignition key.

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Question

What do I do if the stereo won't work after I disconnected it and put it back together?

Community Answer

Check your connections. Make sure you have 12 volts to hot wire and a good ground. Some head units have a separate wire that must go to voltage for the display separately.

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Question

What's the difference between an amp and a booster?

Community Answer

Some people consider them the same. However, I would say that a booster is a 'go between' only to increase the power input to a subwoofer (or set of subwoofers), whereas an amplifier is to increase the power to all channels. Some amps also will provide an exclusive (or dedicated) output for a subwoofer or set of subwoofers in addition to the RF RR LF LR 4 channels.

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Question

I have a second hand Peugeot 307 with a hole in the dashboard where a radio used to be. Is it a simple case of plugging in some connectors to a new radio unit?

Community Answer

This will work only if you replace with a stereo with same connectors.

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Question

Do I have to unhook the battery?

Community Answer

No, but it doesn't hurt as a good safety precaution to prevent electric shock.

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Question

Can I get an adapter for a car stereo if the connectors are different?

Community Answer

Very often, yes. Retailer sites like Crutchfield and Amazon will show you what's needed to connect a radio you bought there to different makes and models of car. They're usually not strictly necessary but can simplify the installation.

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